Wendy Jolley of Princeton High School
Thank you very much for the extensive Packet coverage of the drunk-driving crash simulation at Princeton High School on May 28. Juniors and seniors witnessed a very realistic and graphic simulation. The event sent a powerful message to the teens, their teachers and community members who attended — drinking and driving can be lethal.
Staging such a major undertaking takes a great deal of coordination energy and cooperation — and many people and organizations must be thanked for their support.
The Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad, under the direction of Frank Setnicky, ran an elaborate scene that looked frighteningly authentic. Members of the squad and narrator Greg Paulson created a very believable scenario, complete with a prerecorded 911 call. Detective Ben Gering, officer Kim Hodges, Capt. Robert Buchanan, and the Princeton Township Police and the PBA were extremely helpful, and special thanks go the Chief Mark Emann. Thank you also to Lt. William Mooney and his crew from Mercer Engine Co. No. 3; Deputy Chief Roy James and the Engine Co. No. 11 crew; Capital Health System; the Outpatient Rehabilitation Department of Princeton Health Care System; Jack Roberts, Princeton Recreation Department; and Chief Anthony Federico and the Princeton Borough Police.
Gary Snyder, PHS principal, was an extremely effective key speaker, and was instrumental in making the event a reality. Other Princeton Regional School District members to be thanked are Judith Wilson, superintendent of schools; Gary Weisman, facilities; Tony Diaforli and the grounds crew; and from PHS Kurt Zimmerman and Danny Turner of the media department; Angela Siso, student affairs; Jeni Griffin; Gwen Kimasl, student assistance coordinator; and members of the guidance departments.
John Witherspoon Middle School principal William Johnson and English department teachers coordinated a companion letter-writing campaign. Every sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grader wrote a persuasive essay to a PHS junior or senior on the dangers of drinking and driving. These letter showed a wisdom beyond the students’ years.
Thanks also to: Ken Larini of Larini’s Sunoco; Matt Long of Volvo of Princeton; Peter Hodge of Mather Hodge Funeral Home; Gary DeBlasio and Anna Hernandez of Corner House and the actors, seniors at PHS, PDS, Hun, and Stuart, who are members of the Corner House student board. They and their peers are the reason why so many people came together to work on this project. It is hoped that every student who saw the simulation will remember to always stay safe and sober. May we in Princeton never experience this tragedy in real life.
Wendy Jolley
Crash Simulation Committee
Princeton High School
